Over the past two years, we have shared our plans for the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre at GREAT Theatre, a flexible space for collaboration and creativity that joins the Historic Paramount Theatre as our two theatrical homes to deliver transformative theatre experiences for all.

Every experience in the Learning Lab Theatre can adapt to the needs of the production in this intimate venue that features mobile staging, seating and state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and sound. In the months ahead, hundreds of students will use the space for Summer Theatre camps and in January of 2018 we will premiere the play “Nine Who Dared: Courage At Little Rock” as part of our dynamic 20th anniversary season.

Thank you to our Capital Campaign Committee, the GREAT Board of Directors, our donors, volunteers, staff and the entire community. YOU DID IT.

walk of fame

GREAT Theatre is grateful to all the donors who supported the Setting The Stage For Tomorrow Capital Campaign.

“Thank you to the generous donors in our area and to the hardworking campaigners at Great Theatre. They have made the “high tech” part of the dream come true. As students learn the technology of lighting and sound in the first learning lab theatre in the country, performances here in central Minnesota will be ever more magical as through the years. “ -- Mike and Karel Helgeson

Campaign Chair Steve Palmer says: “I am thrilled to see such amazing support and celebrate the success of the Challenge Match! Thank you to the many donors who have made this possible. The success of the Match enables GREAT to begin the building of the Learning Lab!”

“Steve and I wish to thank all the donors who helped not only meet, but exceed the Match! Together, we are creating GREAT Theatre’s Learning Lab; a place for our families to build life skills thru stage skills.” -- Deb & Steve Palmer

THE GREAT SETTING THE STAGE CAMPAIGN WILL ENHANCE THE THEATRE WE PRESENT ONSTAGE WITH AN EVOLUTION OF ALL THAT WE DO BACKSTAGE.

The Hegleson and Palmers unite

Steve & Deb Palmer and Mike & Karel Helgeson share why theatre matters to them--from their own childhood and high school theatre experiences to their generous challenge gift to GREAT!